The response of the emergency services to the chemical blast in Billingham was as swift and professional as always.

The police, fire and ambulance services have this kind of procedure practised to perfection.

It is always encouraging to report, whenever these type of incidents occur, that the emergency planning went like clockwork.

And the experience of the crews has led to national recognition for the way they handle situations where quick action, slick organisation and cool heads are needed.

It would be nice if the Government was to take note.

The Home Office argument that major incidents need the involvement of massive, regionalised police Superforces, is undermined by the superbly high standards shown at Billingham, and on many previous an occasion.

This reassurance of our ability to tackle major incidents is timely.

It comes just as four West Midland councils have announced they have joined Cleveland Police Authority in launching a High Court bid to beat the mergers.

TV's unlikeliest new hero proves once again how this area is at the cutting edge of digital innovation.

Frankenstein's Cat, the latest creation of Bob the Builder creator Curtis Jobling may be designed to bring a smile to the faces of young people, but it does emphasise a very serious point.

The cutting-edge technology it uses is an area where we are already world leaders, and, with the likes of the Digital Innovation Centre in the pipeline, we will soon be moving further ahead of the others.